After School Care - Chicago,IL

I think it is a wonderful Idea. I wish I had the patience for that, I would do it in a hearbeat. Make sure you screen the parents, because sometimes I have seen, where the parents make it harder for the daycare provider than the children Make sure you get a good feel for the parents. You can maybe even think about watching slighly older kids after or before school. That could be a way to ease into it. Good luck and I wish you the best.

I babysit in my home, but have a totally different view than the last post. So, I thought I would share my opinion with you. I love being a stay at home mom and love kids.

First of all, If you decide to do home daycare, I think it is essential to find people who do not mind if you drive their children. In order for you to keep your sanity, you have to be able to get out of the house!! I take the kids I babysit with me where ever we go, I would never go to a crowded mall or some place unsafe. We go to playdates, library, parks and other fun places for the kids. Sometimes I do take them to Jewel or to volunteer at my kids school, but that is what life is all about.

If you are going to watch other children, besides your own, the kids have to become part of your family. I love all the kids I watch. I kiss and hug them just as I would my own. If you don't feel as though you can love another moms child, this is not for you! It just would not be fair to the baby. Would you want your child in a home where they were not wanted??

I love doing daycare. I have to admit, often after the kids go home, I do miss them. I like having one less child you watch, but I miss my litttle guys!

I have a divorced frined who does daycare, and she loves it to. It is a GREAT way to earn extra money!

K.

I love kids and I love being a SAHM and I taught preschool and primary grades for 10+ yrs. and now in order to make ends meet I watch ONE kid other than my daughter. Let me tell you that it is not pleasant. Changing other ppl.'s kids diapers all the time and dealing with being trapped in the house all day everyday with other ppl.s kids and your own is not pleasant. Before I was doing this I used to go out walking, excercise a bit with my daughter, go grocery shopping when its not pitch black outside dragging a toddler along when she should be in bed, etc. You get the picture. It makes things difficult. With that all being said, you said you wanted input so I apologize if I'm not giving you a rosy picture. Although all these things I've said are very true, I do still do it because when it comes to paying bills someone's got to pay them. I hear your dillemma. It is so hard finding a way to make ends meet esp. when spouses are not in the picture or in my case, my husband is not well and he is NEVER available to help. Basicly absentee. WHen you are on your own in a lot of ways, you end up having to drag your little ones around more than they want to and you want to, but that's the deck we've been dealt. I think if you have no other option, just do it, put a smile on your face, and grin and bare it. Just know that you are doing this for your children so that they can have the best life with you possible. You're doing the right thing no matter what you decide to you. Keep up the good work, and being the strong woman that you are.

Chris,
I'm a licensed daycare provider,and I started this because I wanted to be at home with my youngest child.(I missed out of alot with my 3 other kids having to work).(Ten yrs between him and the next one)
I really enjoy having the little ones here during the day.
I've gotten really attached to them and treat them as if they were all mine even tho they aren't.
If you listen to the horrible response the other person gave you won't want to do it. (she shouldn't be doing daycare w/ her attitude)
Trust me it is very rewarding.I've been doing this going on 13 years now and Iwas able to see all my son's plays and parties at school. I get out and go for walks and we go to the park, where we meet other moms and thier kids.I get to talk to adults and the kids meet new friends. Also if you get along with the parents who you do daycare for(I have a great group of parents right now)
it makes it even more rewarding. You can still do what you need to do after work just as if you worked in a office, factory,or whatever the big difference is you are your own boss and it's good money.It is alot of work at times but it's also fun. Right now I'm a single mom and I love doing daycare. Yes it would be hard to take 6 kids with me to school but if I have something to do for him at school I take a personal day.(Parents do understand)
Get Licensed and then you could take a couple of kids.
You could then do a contract and have your Holidays, Personal and sick days and Vacation time in writing.
If you really enjoy being with kids I say this isa a great thing to do and you can make good money doing something you love.(I love what I do and make good money)
If you would like to find out more info about it from me e-mail me back thru my e-mail and we can start from there with any help you need.
C.